The Los Angeles Lakers began training camp with a glaring absence. LeBron James couldn’t participate due to a “nerve irritation in the glute”. Entering into an unprecedented Year 23, JJ Redick is aware that the Lakers need to be vigilant when managing James during the season. However, it seems that the Akron Hammer is open to doing something he despises.

In conversations with medical experts and James’ trainer, Redick understood that the all-time leading scorer pushed himself during last season’s training camp. So the plan is to play the “long game” with LeBron James. According to Jovan Buha, that could mean managing his minutes or even load management.

“He’s about to be 41 years old, given he’s about to be in year 23, the Lakers need to be careful here. And this team needs LeBron James at the finish line. They’re going to need him over the course of an 82-game season. But if you could get him for 65 70 games, you’ll still have that All-NBA All-star level guy, but he’s in better condition,” the Lakers analyst said on Buha’s Block.

Load management is becoming a growing trend in the NBA. James though, hates the notion of being limited. The four-time MVP has spoken against managing minutes on a number of occasions. But even James understands the current circumstances. At 40, his body requires adequate rest and time to fully heal.

Additionally, the Lakers and LeBron James are yet to learn how to navigate an ailment of such nature. So, despite him dismissing load management, his stance seems to have changed. As Buha reported, “They’re figuring it out as they’re going through some extent. But also that this is a partnership and LeBron has been very receptive to this all and everyone is on the same page,”. And this might be a major positive for the Lakers.

The Lakers need LeBron James to be fully fit

For all the NBA community knows, this is the last season LeBron James will be in LA. Having opted into his player option, Rich Paul has said they will evaluate the future to best suit James’ late-career desires. But the Lakers have a shot at convincing him to stay if they make this season count. And James is doing his part.

The legendary forward hasn’t shown any major decline in 22 years. However, Buha did note an injury pattern. “We have seen over the last few years, LeBron has worn down slightly toward the end of the season and picked up injuries. Uh there’s been an accumulation of random things with his lower body. Be it his feet, his ankles, his knees, his groin, his hip, whatever it’s been, it’s been uh there’s been a plethora of injuries that he’s had to deal with and overcome,” he said.

Keeping that in mind, the Lakers have to act with caution. Because at the end of the day, having LeBron James fit for the postseason ramps up their chances of winning another championship. In terms of periodic rest, the Lakers have Rui Hachimura and new addition Jake LaRavia to fill in. It won’t account for everything LeBron James can do on a basketball floor.

But that’s why Luka Doncic becomes pivotal.

The Don has a similar playstyle to that of James. He thrives on creating for his teammates and putting his stamp on the game. The Slovenian had a sensational EuroBasket 2025, emerging as the leading scorer. Furthermore, he is in his prime and crowned as the next big star in LA. In games without James, Doncic will be JJ Redick’s trump card.

It will be an adjustment for James personally. He isn’t used to sitting out games when he feels like he can contribute. But at this stage of his career, load management could help prolong his playing days while also keeping him at his best.